Sumeet Verma

The edtech industry is facing a challenging time, marked by waning investor interest and reduced demand for online learning in the aftermath of the pandemic. Amid this, Alakh Pandey-led edtech unicorn PhysicsWallah (PW) has bagged $210 million in a Series B funding round led by investment firm Hornbill Capital, with a sizable participation from venture capital firm Lightspeed Venture Partners.   Scaling operations:  With the latest funding round, PW’s post-money valuation has soared to $2.8 billion, making it the third-most valued edtech firm, trailing only Unacademy ($3.4 billion) and Eruditus ($3.2 billion), based on their last valuations. PW will use the funds for market consolidation, with the potential for “one large deal” in the next 12 months, according to Co-founder Prateek Maheshwari. PW, which initially focused on test-prep, has rapidly diversified its educational offerings to encompass everything, from school education to skills training. It has also acquired firms like PrepOnline and Altis Vortex to enhance its NEET, GATE, and related categories. #edtechcompany #funding #equityfunding

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Gamified Learning: Youth Innovations in India 📱 App Development in EdTech: 1️⃣ Interactive Learning Platforms: Apps providing interactive learning experiences, personalized tutoring, and extensive educational resources are on the rise. 2️⃣ Gamified Learning: Incorporating gamification, these apps include quizzes, challenges, and rewards to make learning more engaging and fun. #EdTech #Innovation #YoungEntrepreneurs #GamifiedLearning #InteractiveLearning

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Get a sneak peek into the valuable insights at the Association of Indian Management Schools webinar on "Simplifying #Accreditation." Uncover how to adopt a quality-first approach to accreditations and make Outcome-#BasedEducation (OBE) a breeze. Dive into the crucial role of academic and non-academic data and explore the detailed workings of faculty profiles. Don't miss this chance to elevate your institution's accreditation process with top-notch guidance from AIMS! #Accreditation #EducationWebinar #QualityFirst #OutcomeBasedEducation #OBE #AcademicData #FacultyProfiles #HigherEducation #InstitutionalExcellence #AIMSWebinar #EduLeadership #AcademicStandards

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Beyond Grades & Guesswork: Unlocking Student Potential At DigitalEd India, we believe in the power of data-driven learning. The interactive Möbius platform seamlessly integrates multiple online assessment pathways within your STEM curriculum, providing instant feedback for students and actionable insights for educators. Ready to transform your STEM classroom?  Book a demo today: https://rb.gy/z4p9sa   #Möbius #STEMEducation #DataDrivenLearning #StudentSuccess #OnlineAssessment #BlendedLearning 

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SCOOP: Unacademy is in discussion to merge with K12 Techno, which runs the chain of Orchids International. This would be the first major consolidation in the edtech space which has been witnessing funding drought. My story via Entrackr

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🚀 Schoolnet Acquires Genius Teacher, Learning App Co-Founded by Advitiya Sharma. Schoolnet, an education technology company, has acquired Genius Teacher, a learning app co-founded by Advitiya Sharma, who is also a co-founder of Housing.com. 🔍 Acquisition Details: - Acquired By: Schoolnet - Acquisition Target: Genius Teacher - Co-Founder: Advitiya Sharma (also co-founder of Housing.com) 🚀 Strategic Implications: - Enhanced Offerings: The acquisition will enable Schoolnet to integrate Genius Teacher’s innovative learning solutions into its existing educational platform, enhancing its service offerings. - EdTech Expansion: This move underscores Schoolnet's commitment to expanding its footprint in the edtech sector and providing comprehensive learning solutions to students. 📈 Market Potential: - EdTech Growth: The edtech sector continues to grow rapidly, driven by increasing adoption of digital learning tools and platforms. - Innovative Solutions: Genius Teacher’s unique approach to personalized learning will complement Schoolnet’s mission to deliver quality education through technology. 🔮 Future Outlook: - Synergies: The acquisition is expected to create synergies between Schoolnet and Genius Teacher, fostering innovation and improving learning outcomes for students. - Market Leadership: By incorporating Genius Teacher’s capabilities, Schoolnet aims to solidify its position as a leader in the edtech industry. Schoolnet’s acquisition of Genius Teacher highlights its strategic focus on expanding and enhancing its educational offerings through innovative technology solutions. Schoolnet India Limited | Genius Teacher #Schoolnet #GeniusTeacher #EdTech #Acquisition #AdvitiyaSharma #BusinessGrowth #StartupNews #MicroShots #NewsUpdates

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Analysis of Allen Institute’s Potential Acquisition of Unacademy The proposed $800 million acquisition of Unacademy by Allen Institute represents a significant milestone in the Indian edtech and test-prep ecosystem. Here’s a crisp analysis from a strategic and financial perspective: Strategic Synergies 1. Complementary Strengths: Allen’s expertise lies in traditional classroom-based test preparation, particularly for medical and engineering entrance exams. Unacademy, on the other hand, thrives in the online learning space with a robust platform for competitive exams like UPSC, GATE, and CAT. This acquisition could enable Allen to leapfrog into the digital domain, combining its strong offline brand equity with Unacademy's tech-enabled scalability. 2. Market Expansion: For Unacademy, this deal provides a chance to stabilize its business model and access Allen’s loyal customer base in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, which are crucial growth markets for edtech. Conversely, Allen can leverage Unacademy’s digital infrastructure to reduce its dependence on physical centers. Financial Challenges 1.Valuation Dynamics: Unacademy’s revenue grew 80% to ₹719 crore in FY22, but its losses also ballooned by 85% to ₹2,848 crore, reflecting unsustainable cash burn. The valuation of $800 million implies a significant markdown from its previous $3.4 billion valuation. 2. Cost Concerns: While Unacademy has implemented cost-cutting measures (e.g., workforce reduction and marketing cuts), its heavy reliance on educator payouts and ESOP liabilities remains a challenge. Allen must carefully integrate operations to prevent these losses from eroding its profitability. Broader Implications for Edtech 1. Consolidation in Edtech: This deal underscores the industry’s shift from growth-at-any-cost to sustainable scaling. It may set a precedent for more M&A activity as players like Byju’s(Aakash) and Vedantu reassess their operations amid funding crunches. 2. Hybrid Learning Models: A successful merger could validate hybrid models combining online and offline approaches, setting the tone for the next wave of education delivery in India. Key Considerations - Can Allen absorb Unacademy’s financial strain without diluting its core profitability? - Will the integration address the growing competition from other edtech giants like Byju’s, or create conflicts in operational strategies? This acquisition has the potential to redefine the test-prep landscape if executed strategically. But as with any merger, the devil lies in the details of integration. thoughts? Unacademy ALLEN #edtech #acquisition #merger #startup #education

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PlanetSpark, a pioneering K12 edtech platform, empowers young learners to master communication through tailored, live 1:1 online classes, fostering public speaking confidence. In a feature by Education World, Co-Founder of PlanetSpark, Maneesh Dhooper sheds light on the platform's latest collaboration with audio content platform Vobble, aimed at offering students unparalleled real-world exposure. The partnership enables PlanetSpark students to showcase their communication skills as voiceover artists for curated audio content, underscoring the brand's commitment to transforming learning into impactful, practical experiences. This initiative not only refines students' public speaking abilities but also positions PlanetSpark as a leader in fostering early-stage communication excellence, empowering young talents to thrive at a global stage. Click the link in bio to explore more. #PlanetSpark #EducationWorld #K12Edtech #CommunicationSkills #PublicSpeaking #CreativeWriting #ChildrenLearning #SkillDevelopment #InnovativeEducation #ConfidentCommunicators #EducationNews #EdTechInnovation #BangaloreEvents

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Embracing the New Education Policy: The Role of K-12 Schools in Transforming Learning The New Education Policy (NEP) is a monumental step towards redefining the education system in India. It aims to foster creativity, critical thinking, and holistic development, moving beyond rote learning. For K-12 Schools, this policy is an opportunity to reshape education to be more engaging and meaningful. But how can we bring the element of fun into learning? 1. Experiential Learning: Encourage hands-on activities, projects, and experiments that allow students to connect theories with real-life applications. 2. Gamification: Integrating learning with games and interactive technologies can make complex subjects enjoyable and relatable. 3. Creative Expression: Emphasizing art, storytelling, and discussions alongside traditional subjects fosters innovation and self-expression. 4. Student-Centered Approach: Empowering students to explore their interests and learn at their own pace creates an environment of intrinsic motivation. K-12 schools can play a pivotal role in making learning an enriching experience for young minds. It’s time we move towards an education system that not only informs but inspires. What are your thoughts on bringing fun into education? 🌱✨ #NewEducationPolicy #K12Education #ExperientialLearning #StudentCenteredLearning #EducationReform #HolisticDevelopment #EdTech #InspiringEducation #FutureOfLearning

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Introducing AI standards into teaching practices offers many benefits but needs to be implemented thoughtfully and responsibly. AI in Schools is not just about introducing a new technology, it's about a rethink as to how technology can support and improve the education process. This Survey in collaboration with the Association of Indian Principals, will provide valuable first-hand evidence on the opportunities and risks experienced by schools in introducing AI standards. Please contribute your views by completing the Survey. #AIP #AIinEducation #AISurvey #indianschoolprincipals

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Take admissions to the next level with EdPrime’s smart platform. Streamline, simplify, and succeed. #EdTech #SmartAdmissions #EnrolmentSuccess #EdPrime #edtech2024 #edtech #edtechstartup #schoolmanagement #schoolmanagementsystem #onlineadmission #digitaladmission #language #edprime

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Planning your career path can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. 🌟 At Guru Aanklan Academy, our career guidance sessions provide students with personalized insights, expert advice, and actionable steps to turn aspirations into achievements. 📖 Let us help you take the first step toward a successful career! #jee #jeeadvanced #jeemain #neet #mhtcet

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With the #NEP2020inAction the Holistic Progress Report will help every child to measure his/her progress over his schooling years and help the Teacher to adapt changes in Teaching Learning Practices and #personlized #learning . Explore with us on our 45th Episode of #3sawaal/Questions with Dr Senthil Kumaran and leave your questions/suggestions on help@asktlc.in PARAKH-NCERT Indrani Bhaduri

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5 Technology Trends Reshaping the Indian Education Sector India's higher education landscape is vast, with 56,000+ institutions and 40 million students. Despite this, challenges like outdated administration and disconnected curricula persist. Technology offers a solution, transforming operations and benefiting students, educators, and administrators. Challenges in Indian Higher Education: - Fragmented student data - Outdated technology infrastructure - Inefficient manual processes - Standardized curricula not aligned with industry needs - Limited student engagement and weak alumni relations Key Technology Trends Driving Change: 1. Engaging Onboarding with Automation and AI: - Unified platforms simplify enrollment 2. Personalizing Education with AI: - AI adapts content to learning styles - Predicts dropout risks and automates assessments - Offers 24/7 chatbot support and virtual tutoring 3. Enhanced Learning Through AR/VR: - Immersive, hands-on training opportunities - From virtual field trips to practical simulations 4. Strengthening Data Security: - Robust measures against cyber threats - Compliance with Digital Personal Data Protection Bill (2023) 5. Building Thriving Alumni Communities: - AI-powered platforms foster lifelong engagement - Mentorship, donations, and career guidance initiatives - Stronger connections and improved fundraising outcomes reported In Conclusion: Embracing technology can make Indian higher education more student-centric, globally competitive, and secure. The time for action is now. What are your thoughts on these trends? Do you foresee other trends reshaping the education sector? Share in the comments! 👇

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Story of an accidental ed-tech based out of Kerala! In 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, Ajas Mohammed Jansher, an educator from Kerala, started helping his cousin prepare for exams. To simplify the process, he uploaded a few lessons on YouTube. What began as a small effort quickly gained attention, with thousands of students and parents benefiting from the content. One parent shared, “My son, who never scored an A+ in math, achieved it because of your lessons.” Encouraged by this feedback, Ajas founded Eduport, a platform dedicated to making education both affordable and accessible. Eduport’s growth required a robust technological backbone. Ajas partnered with TPStreams to enhance Eduport’s streaming capabilities. Together, they delivered: ✅ Seamless, buffer-free video streaming for uninterrupted learning. ✅ Short, engaging lessons optimized for modern attention spans. ✅ Scalable, cost-effective solutions to keep courses affordable. Eduport continues to serve thousands of students across Kerala, empowering them to achieve better academic outcomes through innovative technology and a commitment to accessible learning. 🎥 Learn more about Eduport’s journey and partnership with TPStreams: Watch the full webinar here: https://lnkd.in/gUWA4jwG Explore how TPStreams supports platforms like Eduport: https://tpstreams.com

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Transforming Education Standards with PARAKH India's education system is evolving, and at the forefront of this change is PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development). This initiative isn't just another policy; it's a game-changer designed to shift the focus from traditional rote learning to competency-based education. What does this mean for examination boards? - Boards will no longer be limited to conducting exams that assess memorization skills. Instead, they'll guide students toward understanding, applying, and mastering skills that prepare them for real-world challenges. - PARAKH aims to ensure assessments that truly reflect a student’s potential, aligning with international standards and fostering critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities. The mission is clear:Equip our learners with more than just marks. Give them the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world where competency is the key differentiator. How do you see the impact of this competency-focused shift in education? Will it prepare students for better career prospects and life challenges? Share your thoughts below! Indrani Bhaduri CII Eastern Region #gemseducationindia Francis Joseph Ashok Pandey Dr. Swati Popat Vats Lina Ashar Naveen Mahesh Dr Amrita Vohra Senthil Kumaran A Dr Jonathan Mendonca

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